August 7, 2015

Writer: Steve Byrns, 325-653-4576325-653-4576, s-byrns@tamu.edu

Contact: Michael Palmer, 325-625-4519325-625-4519, m-palmer@tamu.edu

COLEMAN – Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service will conduct a dove program on Aug. 25 at the Lake Coleman Volunteer Fire Department Community Center, 140 Scenic Drive in Coleman.

“Coleman County traditionally has some of the best dove hunting in the state, and with dove season opening Sept. 1, we’ve set this program to ready our hunters and landowners on a variety of topics,” said Michael Palmer, AgriLife Extension agent in Coleman County. “This program is tailored to our area and will also include some field time after lunch.”;


Dove program in Coleman County to usher in coming dove hunting season. (Texas A&M AgriLife Communications photo by Steve Byrns)

The program will start with registration from 8-8:30 a.m., followed by the classroom portion from 9 a.m.-noon. After a catered lunch, the day will conclude with a tour.

“If this heat doesn’t cook the birds on the fly, this year promises to be one of the best seasons we’ve seen in a long time,” he said.

Topics and speakers will include:

– Introduction to Dove Hunting in Texas, Dr. John Tomecek, AgriLife Extension wildlife specialist, San Angelo.

– Dove Population Status Update, Hunting Season Forecast, Regulations Explained, Shaun Oldenburger, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department dove program leader, San Marcos.

– Dove Hunting Laws Explained, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department game warden.

– Economics of Dove Hunting, Bill Thompson, AgriLife Extension economist, San Angelo.

– Lead versus Steel Shot for Dove Hunting, Corey Mason, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department regional director, Tyler.

– Public Dove Field Leasing Opportunities, Mason Conley, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, wildlife biologist, Winters.

The field tour will include talks on plant identification, dove habitat assessment and dove field hunter placement.

Registration is $10 for those who RSVP by Aug. 21 and $20 for those registering at the door. For more information and to RSVP, call the AgriLife Extension office in Coleman County at 325-625-4519325-625-4519.